Registrations are now open for the 2026 Winter Whale Fest, running from 1–30 June 2026. The Festival continues to grow each year, and we’re inviting our community, local businesses and creative sector to help shape the next program.

Whether you’re a community group, club, not-for-profit, local business, tourism operator, artist or creative practitioner, we’d love you to host an event or activation that celebrates our whales, ocean, marine life and environment. You can also explore the 2025 Festival Program for inspiration.

Expression of Interest Streams

You can get involved in two ways:

1. Community & Business Events – for community groups, clubs, not-for-profits, local businesses and tourism operators.

2. Artist & Creative Practitioner Proposals – for artists, performers, makers and creative producers interested in delivering workshops, performances, installations or other creative activations.

Use the form at the bottom of this page to submit your Expression of Interest for either stream.

Ideas to Inspire – Community & Business Events

Activities focused on whales, ocean, marine life and environmental sustainability might include:

• Beach clean-ups

• Coastal or island working bees

• Educational talks

• Whaling or local history talks

• Community film screenings

• Fundraiser events

• Quiz nights

• Tree-planting days

• Social gatherings for clubs or community groups (member updates, welcoming new members)

• Fun activities for kids and/or families

• Guided walks or special tours led by volunteers or community organisations

• Winter-themed social gatherings that bring locals and visitors together

Please note: Not-for-profit organisations may be eligible to apply for Community Grant Funding to support their event. Find out more at www.victor.sa.gov.au/grants

Ideas to Inspire – Artists & Creative Practitioners

Creative responses to the themes of whales, ocean, marine life, winter and environmental care might include:

• Art exhibitions or creative showcases

• Public art, installations or projections

• Book clubs, author talks or book signings

• Writing workshops (adults, youth or children)

• Curated films or themed cinema sessions

• Water-based activities (e.g. boat tours with a creative or storytelling focus)

• Guided walks or tours with a creative or interpretive element

• Creative workshops for adults or kids (visual arts, craft, music, movement, etc.)

• Social or themed nights tailored to visitors and locals

We’d love to hear your ideas about events that celebrate and educate the community and visitors about whales, ocean, marine life and the environment.

If you’d like to get involved in the Festival, feel free to submit your idea below or phone Stacey Richardson, the City of Victor Harbor’s Festivals and Events Officer, on 8551 0500 or email events@victor.sa.gov.au to make a time to meet and discuss your idea.

How to Get Involved

If you’d like to be part of Winter Whale Fest 2026:

• Submit your idea using the form below; or

• Get in touch to talk through your idea.

You can contact Stacey Richardson, Festivals and Events Officer at the City of Victor Harbor, on (08) 8551 0500 or email events@victor.sa.gov.au to book a time to meet or discuss your concept.